Talks on Freedom in Buddhism & the USA

We Americans are being told by our leaders that acts of violence are committed because "they hate us because we are free." What is this "freedom" that causes others to hate us? And what sort of freedom does Buddhism advocate? A series of talks explore various aspects of freedom.

Making Meaning: Violence or Peace?

19 Sept 2004: Reflections from Chicago's Eyes Wide Open exhibit regarding the human costs of the Iraqi war. We are meaning making creatures. Our meanings lead us into violence & killing just as easily as peace & freedom. When will we stop fighting over the meanings we give to life?

"Nibbana for Everyone ... Except 'Me'"

From the verses on "Highest & Excellent Security," we look into Nibbana as the ultimate refuge. Nibbana as "coolness" -- the end of greed, anger, fear, & delusion, as well as suffering -- in its ethical, accidental, practical, and fully liberated aspects.

"Heaps, Clinging, & Falling Apart"

Talk on the meaning & importance of the 5 khandha (heaps, aggregates) for insightful inquiry into human life: what is it? what is happening? how do we suffer? how does liberation occur? (17 August 2003)